Today in Performance Sneaker History: Michael Jordan Sets Playoff Record in the Air Jordan 3

As the month of May kicks off in Performance Sneaker History, Sneaker Report flashes back to the NBA Playoffs of 1988. Michael Jordan had just won his first MVP award, as well as leading the league in scoring and being named Defensive Player of the Year. The Bulls were matched against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs, and ended up advancing past the first round for the first time since Jordan had been drafted. But before that, on May 1, 1988, Mike became the first player in history to put up 50+ points in consecutive playoff games. During Game 2 of their series, Jordan scored 55 points and the Bulls ended up with a 106-101 win.

In '88, Jordan was wearing the revolutionary Air Jordan 3. Known for its stylistic innovations such as "elephant print" suede trim, lack of lateral Nike branding, and the debut of the Jumpman logo, the Air Jordan 3 was also technologically groundbreaking. It was the first Jordan model to feature a visible Nike Air window, and featured a sleeker cut than its predecessor. The Air Jordan 3 was re-released in February in new colorways, and a return of the original "Fire Red" makeup has been slated for later this year.